§ Lord Eltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer given by Lord Williams of Mostyn on 3 July (WA 45–6), whether the accommodation to be constructed under "the contract to provide a secure training centre at Cookham Wood, Kent, for persistent offenders aged 12–14" would be suitable for housing offenders of any other age; if not, whether it could be rendered suitable for such by modification; and whether the contract provides for the incorporation of such modification.
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe contract for Cookham Wood, which is in the Library, allows changes of use of the centre, including widening the age range, subject to notice being given to the contractor and agreement being reached on the price. The contract specifically excludes change of use for offenders detained under Section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 or for those over the age of 17.